“The question of how women, marriage, and the home fit into an industrialized, mechanized society now comes to the forefront. During the Victorian Era, the home was widely regarded as a place of relaxation and pleasure and as an escape from the moral corruption of the business world and from the grinding monotony of factory life—in short, as a refuge from the working world. In Hard Times, however, the distinction between home and workplace begins to dissolve. For instance, the Gradgrind household is almost as mechanized as a factory. Similarly, when Stephen’s drunken wife suddenly returns, his home no longer provides a refuge from the misery of his factory work, so he resorts to wandering the streets rather than returning home after work. In both of these instances, the home fails to serve as a refuge from the working world.The homes presented in Hard Times derive their tone from whatever female inhabits them. For instance, Gradgrind’s wife, who is too complacent to argue with her husband over his mechanistic ways, allows him to determine the fact-heavy tone of the home. Stephen’s wife, the lascivious drunk, makes their home a wanton den to which Stephen is reluctant to return. In contrast to Stephen’s wife, Rachael embodies the qualities that make home a happy place—she is compassionate, honest, sensitive, morally pure, and generous. She represents the Victorian ideal of femininity. Because of these qualities, Stephen frequently refers to her as his angel. Through her own virtues, Rachael inspires him to maintain his personal integrity, and when she cares for his ailing wife, Rachael lightens the tone of the previously dismal residence.”
“I loved this bookwhile I was in the middle of a great depression. It made me feel like my life just wasn't soooo bad. It is about Poverty and working hard, having no hope and making the most of what you have in life... ok it is still boring.”
“is there much reason for me to read this book? As loads of people have said that they didn't like it”
“this a very inresting book its about industrial revolution i like it so much”
“Ask a question, kick off a discussion, or just talk about this book...itEverything in this book is a muddle. Facts alone must be taught to children. Mrs Sparsit was always curious about gossip, who did what to whom yesterday, today. She would sacrifice her own life hunting for other people's business while she could not even enjoy her own life. Is it good to mind other people's business? What was wrong with this woman? ”
“it is great peace of writing that reflects the social, economical and political picture of England passing through a transitional period. ”
“befor u reading this novel u must take alot of drugs to understanding it.." thats my advice " if u doing it you'll feeling the real story in this novel between LOIZA & ........ !!!!!have anice time with Charles Dickens.. " leba "..”
“Who is your favorite Dickens character?Dickens created some of the most fun characters, both good and evil. He painted such vivid pictures of the most amusing and/or irritating human habits. Mr. Bounderby from "Hard Times" reminded me of a few especially annoying people I've known. I always get a kick out of David Copperfield's Mr. McCawber. Jasper Fforde's take on Miss Havesham was a hoot. I had never read "Great Expectations" until "The Well of Lost Plots" inspired me to do so.”
“Magwitch from Great Expectations. A long story, but my Grandmother was Findlay Currie's Housekeeper (he played Magwitch brilliantly in David Lean's film David Copperfield).My other favourites (so many) are Smike, Wackford Squeers Peggoty & Jingle”
“I love Flora Finching from _Little Dorrit_. She starts out as a parody of Dickens's first girlfriend, Maria Beadnell, but as the novel progresses, she becomes more selfless. She's very funny and kind -- and always a little bit breathless.It's hard to narrow it down to one favorite. I also love Little Nell, Quilp (he's so deliciously evil!), Smike, Mr. Dick, Aunt Betsey, Mr. Micawber, Scrooge, Sydney Carton, Sairey Gamp, Esther Summerson, and on and on.”
